This is meant to be a TLDR simple version of getting The Sims 2 installed and running. For that reason, more in-depth answers will not be included.

1. How do I get the Sims 2 in the 2020s?

EA no longer supports the Sims 2 in any manner. If you contact EA for your legitimate game disks they won’t even help you. For that reason, we suggest using a modified (pirated) version with a no-cd crack. Many modern computers are unable to install disks or have versions of the game which aren’t easy to patch. You can find out more on how to get the Sims 2 here: https://simsworld.net/how-to-get-the-sims-2/

2. How do I install the Sims 2 and get it running?

If your version of the game comes as an ISO you must first use a mounting program to mount it (these are virtual disks and the computer knows no difference between this and a CD). If the file is a zip file, simply use a program like 7zip and unzip it to a folder. If you want to keep the file for later, you can keep it on a USB or documents folder to reinstall (you do not have to).The following are what I consider absolutely necessary to get your game running (and are generally accepted by the community as necessary).

· A no-cd patch version of the game (preferably mansion and garden)See here for info: https://simsworld.net/how-to-get-the-sims-2/

· Modified Graphics Rules file and Video Cards fileSuggested link: https://www.simsnetwork.com/tools/graphics-rules-maker

· 4GB PatchWhere to get: https://ntcore.com/4gb-patch/If you prefer to get the graphics rules, video cards, and 4gb patch all at once, you can see Lazy Duchess’ installer: https://lazyduchess.tumblr.com/post/631915230388158464/sims2rpc-mod-launcher-for-mansion-garden (Use this right after you install the sims 2 and your install-method’s crack and skip the graphics rules maker step!)

If you have more errors, you can look through the questions or visit the subreddit listed on the bottom.

3. I downloaded the game but nothing loads, what now?

The Sims 2 came out in 2004 and was last updated around 2009. Due to this, the graphics card listed in the game’s files do not include your graphics card. You can manually add these or use the convenient program “Graphics Rules Maker” or the solution from Lazy Duchess below these questions. Whichever you choose is up to you. You can also toy around with compatibility settings to make the game work better.

4. How do I make the game windowed fullscreen?

You can create a desktop shortcut for the game and then add the following to the end of the shortcut to open it.

-w -r1280x720

For example: “C:\Program Files\The Sims 2 Ultimate Collection\Fun with Pets\SP9\TSBin\Sims2EP9.exe” -w -r1920x1080

This code is placed OUTSIDE of the “quote”.

You can also toy with other resolutions, but your mileage may vary on whether or not it works smoothly. Different computers and graphics cards can provide different results.

5. Sims 2 takes 5-10 minutes to load, what’s happening?

Some graphics cards (common with AMD), take time to load sims even after changes have been made to the graphics rules. If you also have an integrated graphics card, you can go into Windows 10/11 display advanced settings and choose your other card. Doing this can increase stability in these instances. Since the game is much older, your integrated graphics card should have no problem running the game.

6. My game loaded but the neighbourhood/sims/floors/etc are now flashing purple, what do I do?

The sims community has affectionately named this “purple soup”. Updating the graphic rules and having the 4 GB patch usually fixes this, but not always. In this instance, I suggest you use the Lazy Duchess Sims2RPC for your installation, you can find that below. If this is persistent you can find the Lazy Duchess addon here: https://lazyduchess.tumblr.com/post/676760535182770176/pink-flashing-research-part-2

7. My sims have a black box under their feet instead of a shadow, how do I fix it?

You can get the following mod to fix this problem: https://modthesims.info/d/569585/sim-shadow-fix-updated-2-jan-16.html

8. Is there a way to do this all at once?

Some of it. As mentioned above, there is a program called Sims2RPC Mod Launcher for Mansion & Garden by Lazy Duchess. Make sure you follow all instructions provided by Lazy Duchess to install and run this program. Like all things, it is useful to understand what you’re changing and how it works in case something goes wrong. Use at own risk. Use this right after you install the sims 2 and your install-method’s crack.

For a more complex guide of issues, I suggest going to the subreddit Sims2help: https://reddit.com/r/sims2help/wiki/technical-support/#wiki

9. Why do other people’s games look so much nicer/more modern?

In these cases, many players use custom content or CC to edit their game. You may have noticed that for some players, nearly every object, NPC, and clothing piece has been changed. This is called “default replacement”. You can find my personal defaults here: https://simsworld.net/sims-2-defaults-i-use/